Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich speaks with supporters after making his victory speech during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Attorney General Mark Brnovich pumps his fist after speaking to supporters during the Arizona Republican election night party in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Attorney General Mark Brnovich throws out beer koozies to supporters during the Arizona Republican watch party in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Attorney General Mark Brnovich speaks to supporters during the Arizona Republican election night party in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

David Garcia, Democratic candidate for Arizona governor, hugs his children as he exits the stage at the election night watch party on Nov. 6, 2018, at the Renaissance Hotel in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

David Garcia, Democratic candidate for Arizona governor, addresses the crowd at the election night watch party on Nov. 6, 2018, at the Renaissance Hotel in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

David Garcia, Democratic candidate for Arizona governor, addresses the crowd at the election night watch party on Nov. 6, 2018, at the Renaissance Hotel in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Greg Stanton, Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative of Arizona's 9th Congressional District gives, his victory speech along with his family at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Nov. 6, 2018.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Greg Stanton, Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative of Arizona's 9th Congressional District gives, his victory speech along with his family at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Nov. 6, 2018.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Greg Stanton, Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative of Arizona's 9th Congressional District gives, his victory speech along with his family at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Nov. 6, 2018.
Nick Oza, Nick Oza/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Greg Stanton, Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative of Arizona's 9th Congressional District gives, his victory speech along with his family at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Nov. 6, 2018.
Nick Oza, Nick Oza/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Greg Stanton, Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative of Arizona's 9th Congressional District gives, his victory speech along with his family at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Nov. 6, 2018.
Nick Oza, Nick Oza/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Governor Doug Ducey speaks alongside his wife, Angela, during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Gov. Doug Ducey supporters take a selfie before Ducey speaks at the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Governor Doug Ducey speaks alongside his wife, Angela, during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Governor Doug Ducey speaks alongside his wife, Angela, during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Gov. Doug Ducey speaks hugs his wife, Angela, during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Gov. Doug Ducey speaks as Cindy McCain, the wife of the late Senator John McCain looks on during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Greg Stanton, Democratic candidate for 9th District District, addresses the crowd at the election night watch party on Nov. 6, 2018 at the Renaissance Hotel in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Greg Stanton, Democratic candidate for 9th District District, addresses the crowd at the election night watch party on Nov. 6, 2018 at the Renaissance Hotel in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Phoenix mayoral candidate Kate Gallego is all smiles as she talks on the phone at the Hilton Garden Inn in Phoenix on Nov. 6, 2018.
Darryl Webb/Special for The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Phoenix mayoral candidate Kate Gallego gets a hug from a friend at the Hilton Garden Inn in Phoenix on Nov. 6, 2018.
Darryl Webb/Special for The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Phoenix mayoral candidate Kate Gallego gets a hug from a friend at the Hilton Garden Inn in Phoenix on Nov. 6, 2018.
Darryl Webb/Special for The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Phoenix mayoral candidate Kate Gallego gets a hug from a friend at the Hilton Garden Inn in Phoenix on Nov. 6, 2018.
Darryl Webb/Special for The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Phoenix mayoral candidate Kate Gallego gets a round of applause from constituents at the Hilton Garden Inn in Phoenix on Nov. 6, 2018.
Darryl Webb/Special for The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Phoenix mayoral candidate Kate Gallego gets a round of applause from constituents at the Hilton Garden Inn in Phoenix on Nov. 6, 2018.
Darryl Webb/Special for The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Gov. Doug Ducey speaks to supporters Nov. 6, 2018, during the Arizona Republican Party Election Night party in Scottsdale. Ducey won his re-election against Democratic challenger David Garcia.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Gov. Doug Ducey speaks as Cindy McCain, the wife of the late Senator John McCain looks on during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Gov. Doug Ducey speaks as Cindy McCain, the wife of the late Senator John McCain looks on during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Gov. Doug Ducey speaks to supporters Nov. 6, 2018, during the Arizona Republican Party Election Night party in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ducey won his re-election against Democratic challenger David Garcia.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republicans watch the results roll in on Fox News early in the night at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republicans watch the results roll in on Fox News early in the night at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Nov. 6, 2018.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb (left) talks to fellow Republicans at the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Conservative television host Josh Bernstein and Laurie Gonzalez watch early election results at the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republican James Murr of Scottsdale watches early results during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republicans Michael Jabri of Phoenix (left) of Phoenix and Ashur Warda of Peoria watch early results during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republican Ashur Warda (center) of Peoria watches early results during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republican Stephen Fischer of Surprise watches early results during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republicans Michael Jabri of Phoenix (left) of Phoenix and Ashur Warda of Peoria watch early results during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republican Ashur Warda (center) of Peoria watches early results during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republican Stephen Fischer of Surprise watches early results during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Rep. Andy Biggs speaks during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Rep. Andy Biggs speaks during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Republicans Michael Jabri of Phoenix (left) of Phoenix and Ashur Warda of Peoria watch early results during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

U.S. Representative David Schweikert speaks during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

U.S. Representative David Schweikert speaks as his wife, Joyce, kisses their daughter, Olivia, during the Republican watch party at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale on Election Day for the midterms on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Rudy Rangel (left) and Bryan Mulloy help themselves to pizza while waiting in line to vote at the Tempe History Museum in Ariz. Nov. 6, 2018. An anonymous person bought pizza for people in line.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Voters wait in line to to cast their ballots at a polling station at the Tempe History Museum in Ariz. Nov. 6, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University students wait in line for up to 2 1/2 hours to vote at the polling place on the ASU Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University students wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University student Alex Riordan (left) and other ASU students wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018. Riordan is a first time voter.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Greg Stanton, a Democrat running for U.S. Congress in Arizona's 9th Congressional District, shakes hands with Arizona State University students as they wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University students wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University student Urban Stewart (center right) high fives other ASU students as they wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University students wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University students wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University students wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University students wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University students wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Arizona State University students wait in line to vote at the polling place at ASU's Tempe campus on Nov. 6, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Voters wait in line to vote at the Tempe History Museum in Arizona on Nov. 6, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Eve Beresford, 18, gets help filling out her early ballot from her mom, Celia, outside a polling station at the Tempe History Museum in Arizona on Nov. 6, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Students at Arizona State University's Tempe campus were sent free pizza from Twitter users and the Arizona Democratic Party while waiting in line to vote on Election Day, Nov. 6, 2018.
Lily Altavena/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Students at Arizona State University's Tempe campus were sent free pizza from Twitter users and the Arizona Democratic Party while waiting in line to vote on Election Day, Nov. 6, 2018.
Lily Altavena/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

The line at the polling location around 1 p.m. on the Arizona State University campus on Election Day, Nov. 6, 2018.
Lily Altavena/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

The line on the ASU main campus in Tempe at Palo Verde West dorm polling location was an hour long as of 12 p.m., according to a poll worker, Nov. 6, 2018.
Jen Fifield/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Bill Pierce, candidate for state mine inspector, was talking to voters outside a polling place at the ASU main campus in Tempe, Nov. 6, 2018.
Jen Fifield/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Voters wait in line near the Gila polling site in Chandler. The poll workers were locked out of the site after the tenant did not pay their rent. Workers moved the polling site to the south side of the building in an empty suite, Nov. 6, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Voters wait in line near the Gila polling site in Chandler. The poll workers were locked out of the site after the tenant did not pay their rent. Workers moved the polling site to the south side of the building in an empty suite, Nov. 6, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., the Democratic candidate for Arizona's U.S. Senate seat greets Leanna Huerta and her children Xavier and Alexandreia outside a polling center on Nov. 6, 2018 at the Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Voters wait in line near the Gila polling site in Chandler. The poll workers were locked out of the site after the tenant did not pay their rent. Workers moved the polling site to the south side of the building in an empty suite, Nov. 6, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Voters wait in line near the Gila polling site in Chandler. The poll workers were locked out of the site after the tenant did not pay their rent. Poll workers set up a temporary location in front of a nearby store, Nov. 6, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Offline printers created long lines for voters at Chandler City Hall on Election Day, Nov. 6, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Due to the failure to pay rent the landlord changed the locks on the door preventing access to the Gila polling place in Chandler, Nov. 6, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Inspector Eileen Wendt looks at a sign from the landlord that says the tenant did not pay rent and the locks have been changed preventing access to the Gila polling place in Chandler, Nov. 6, 2018.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Due to the failure to pay rent the landlord changed the locks on the door preventing access to the Gila polling place in Chandler.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Election Day in Arizona: Ballots are processed

Voters arrive at a polling place on Arizona Avenue in Chandler to find the doors padlocked, Nov. 6, 2018.
Maddie Johnson/The Republic

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

Gov. Doug Ducey speaks to supporters Nov. 6, 2018, during the Arizona Republican Party Election Night party in Scottsdale. Ducey won his re-election against Democratic challenger David Garcia.(Photo: Michael Chow/The Republic)

Arizona voters didn’t just defeat Proposition 305. They stoned the thing, then they tossed it into the street and ran over it.

Then they backed up and ran over it again.

Voters defeated Ducey’s voucher plan by more than 2-1.

Ouch.

His 'important idea' was trounced

Ducey and the Republican-controlled Legislature expanded the state’s voucher program last year at the urging of the Koch-connected Americans for Progress and the Betsy DeVos-created American Federation for Children.

Everybody knew that Save Our Schools Arizona – an all-volunteer effort that had no money and no experience – had no chance of getting the signatures needed to put the voucher plan on the ballot.

Until they did.

CLOSE

Teachers and parents canvassed the Phoenix area on Sept. 8, 2018, to ask people to vote no on Proposition 305, which would expand school vouchers.
Carly Henry, The Republic | azcentral.com

During a January retreat with his billionaire benefactors in the Koch network, Ducey talked up the need to defeat the citizen referendum during and allow the law to take effect.

“This is a very real fight in my state,” Ducey told the Koch donors. “I didn’t run for governor to play small ball. I think this is an important idea.”

Vouchers aren't really a choice for most

The problem with this important idea, of course, is that this particular form of school choice isn’t really a choice at all for most people.

Voters understood that vouchers weren’t being expanded to help poor kids escape failing schools. It was about using public money to help suburban kids escape A- and B- rated public schools.

On Tuesday, they didn’t just say no, they said ‘Oh hell, no”.

The question now, is what will Ducey – the governor who didn’t run for a second term to play small ball -- do?

Will he come back in January with yet another scheme to divert more public money into private schools for the select few?

Or will he actually come up with a plan to better fund and fix what ails public schools – the ones attended by 1.1 million Arizona kids?

Voucher backers will be back

The voters have spoken. But will our leaders listen?

My guess ... no.

There's a reason why the Koch network, et al didn't mount a spirited campaign to defend their voucher plan at the polls.

They were afraid that if Prop. 305 passed, the law would become voter protected and thus virtually impossible for the Legislature to change. Or put another way, that the 30,000-student cap – the one written into the law to get the votes to pass the bill – would become impossible to lift once opposition softened or the public's attention turned elsewhere.

In other words, they'll be back and I'm guessing the governor who didn't run to play small ball will be right there with them.

Stay alert, Arizona.

-

UPDATE:

Just hours after being pummeled by Arizona voters, the Goldwater Institute announced that the fight to push divert money to private schools via vouchers continues.

“Unfortunately, school choice opponents were successful in denying this option to all Arizona families, regardless of income,” Goldwater Institute President and CEO Victor Riches said.

Just to be clear, those "school choice opponents" were 65 percent of the electorate -- people who understood that this choice wasn't a choice at all for most of Arizona's families and certainly not for the poor kids escaping failing schools.

Rather than fixing what ails the schools that 95 percent of Arizona students attend, the Goldwater Institute is vowing to try, try again to ram their universal voucher program down our throats.

Cue RIches: “The Goldwater Institute will continue the fight to give students and their families a greater say in their education in Arizona and across the country.”